Didn't think it was going to be this rough

Message

#1 Post by **blackapple** » Sat Aug 21, 2010 9:17 pm

This is turning out to be quite an interesting experience. Just how does one adjust to wearing clear ceramics? I am amazed at just how much wearing them has changed my speech. It's like talking just takes so much effort now. They are rubbing the heck out of my upper lip and I am having a hard time getting used to them because they stick out so much further than the bottom metals I have. I have had zero irritation from the bottom metal brackets. No cutting or rubbing. My mouth has just gotten used to them quickly. Just very uncomfortable in these things. I am trying to see if can adjust but not sure I can stick it out for the long hall with these. I can deal with the pressure on my teeth I am just constantly reminded at how uncomfortable I am with these upper brackets.

#2 Post by **appygirl82** » Sat Aug 21, 2010 11:19 pm

I also have ceramic uppers and regular metal lowers. My lips and mouth definately took a bit longer to adjust to the upper ones. Even still when my mouth is irritated after an adjustment its always the upper brackets that are bothering me. Overall though, your mouth will adjust and you will have no problems with them. I dont even notice any difference in my day to day life. It will just take a little bit more time to adjust to them

#3 Post by **blackapple** » Sun Aug 22, 2010 7:14 am

Thanks for your encouragement. I guess now all I can concentrate on is my teeth. Everyone has said to just keep going and take it day by day. Boy will I grateful to have these things off at some point in my life.

#4 Post by **balniusc** » Sun Aug 22, 2010 7:54 am

Did you get your upper and lowers on at the same time? I have ceramic on both but I got my uppers on about 5 months ago. It took a while (maybe a week or 2) to get used to the feel of them but I eventually did. And they did not affect my speech. I just got my lowers on a few days ago and while I adjusted to the feel of them within 2 days, I'm still working on the whole talking thing. It will get better and soon you won't even notice them or, at the very least, not want to rip them out of your mouth

#5 Post by **blackapple** » Sun Aug 22, 2010 9:00 am

Yes I got uppers and lowers at the same time. I have two powerchains in the front and 4 spacers. I just feel as though the ortho hit me with everything at once. Between the braces, powerchains, and spacers it's been a bit too much for me. Believe me by the end of the first day I was ready to rip them out lol. Still partly disappointed because I want to eat a decent meal. So painful chewing on those back molars. Went to the mall last night and ventured to the food court and saw everyone eating.

#6 Post by **appygirl82** » Tue Aug 24, 2010 12:01 am

Chewing is so hard when they are new and also after some adjustments. As much as it hurts, the more you chew and "use" your teeth the less time they will be sore!

My last adjustment they put bigger wires on both top and bottom and holy cow my mouth was IN PAIN!!! But ya gotta use your teeth as much as you an stand and the soreness will subside much quicker!

#7 Post by **AnnR** » Tue Aug 24, 2010 1:46 am

I've had mine 3 weeks, ceramic upper and lower. Had them both at the same time. Have just about returned to normal with speech - had a slight lisp for the first 2 weeks. Just about starting to eat a bit better too - have been out for 2 meals in public now. Bit annoying not being able to pick exactly what I want off the menu - have to pick stuff I can eat without too much hassle!

#8 Post by **blackapple** » Tue Aug 24, 2010 9:05 pm

Thanks everyone for your support and advice. I must say today was the first day I wasn't consumed with thoughts about my teeth all day 24/7. I guess that means I am starting to adjust to them. Completely forget I have brackets on the lowers now. It's like they aren't even there. I know they are they when I start to brush my teeth though lol. The ceramics uppers have stopped rubbing and etching my lips. Although that may change once my teeth really start moving around. I have wax on standby but haven't used any since Saturday night. Guess my mouth is starting to come to grips that this extra hardware isn't going anywhere for a while so it just better get used to it. Now all my attention is on getting these spacers out. If it wasn't for these I am sure I would be eating a bit better with solid food. One more week and thank god they are removed.

#9 Post by **itsabouttime22** » Sun Aug 29, 2010 12:54 pm

I know what you are going through- I have ceramic uppers and metal lowers. I have never had any real issues with the bottom ones (except pain), but I still get sores on my upper lip off and on after 2 months. They still rub all over my upper lip when I talk, unfortunately I think this just has to do with how my mouth is shaped and isn't going away. But my speech is fine and I can eat ok, just slower, so I guess I'll just suffer through- its worth it as my teeth look better already!

Good luck:)